HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i baseball team (20-12) heads back to the mainland for a four-game stretch, including a huge conference set over the weekend, but first will take in a one-off, non-conference tilt on Wednesday at CSU Bakersfield (13-21). The first-ever matchup between the Rainbow Warriors and Roadrunners at Hardt Field is slated for 3:00 p.m. HT (6:00 p.m. PT) on April 18.
 
The Rainbow Warriors have moved to the top of the Big West standings and are on pace with last year's winning season, heading into their final non-series, non-conference contest. Hawai'i earned its third consecutive series win over the weekend, capping off with a 5-0 shutout victory over UC Riverside on Sunday.
 
After a challenging weekend for sophomore right fielder Adam Fogel, really his first of the year, the 'Bows have a new hitting leader on top of the stats. Catcher Kekai Rios leads UH with a .321 average, logging 13 RBI and 13 runs. However, Fogel still holds a commanding 38-hit count to pace the 'Bows with a team-high 22 RBI and 19 runs on a .302 average. Pacing the team in runs, junior shortstop Maaki Yamazaki has scored 21 times and bats .293 with 34 hits and 11 RBI.
 
Meanwhile, senior left fielder Johnny Weeks sits tied for the UH career sac bunts record at 40, also second on the season list at 16 and leading the nation with a 0.52 per game average.
 
A strength for UH all season, the Rainbow Warrior pitching staff holds an NCAA 57th-best 3.70 team ERA, keeping the opposition to .264 hitting and just 4.4 runs per game. Returning to starting status from the bullpen, freshman Cade Smith will make his fourth start of the year against the Roadrunners, coming into the week with a 1-1 record, 3.60 ERA and 20 strikeouts versus nine walks.
  
The Roadrunners are coming off a three game Western Athletic Conference (WAC) road sweep at Utah Valley, which snapped an eight-game losing streak. CSUB is just three years removed from an NCAA Regional appearance and tournament win, finishing third in the WAC last year. Senior utility player Andrew Penner is a clear leader for the 'Runners, batting .351 with 46 hits for 22 runs in the three-hole. A fairly recent addition to the lineup, junior right fielder Sergio Robles is hitting .304 with nine RBI. Junior catcher Ryan Koch leads the team with 18 RBI and 13 extra base hits. CSUB bats .253 with an average of 8.4 hits and 4.5 runs per game.
 
On the mound, the Roadrunners hold a 5.65 team ERA, allowing 11 hits and 7.4 runs per game. CSUB has named sophomore right-hander Isaac Meza as its Wednesday starter, coming in with a 0-0 record, 22.50 ERA on 4.0 innings of relief, striking out one with two walks.
 
The Rainbow Warriors and Roadrunners meet this week for the first time in history. CSUB will hold a Hawaiian Luau promotion with lei giveaways, grilled pineapple on burgers from Salty's BBQ & Catering and luau music during the game.
 
After the midweek game, Hawai'i will spend the weekend 140 miles to the southeast at Cal State Fullerton's Goodwin Field, squaring off with the Titans (17-18) in a key Big West series. The teams go 1-2 in the conference standings. The Titans dropped a 7-4 non-conference contest at San Diego on Tuesday.
 
University of Hawai'i Game 33
What: Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (20-12) at CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners (13-21)
When:  Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Where: Bakersfield, Calif. (Hardt Field)
Live Streaming: Watch live on the WAC Digital Network
Radio: Wednesday's game will be broadcast live on the radio and will appear on ESPN 1420 AM with Scott Galetti on the call. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KHLO in Hilo, KKON in Kona and KTOH on Kaua'i.
Audio Webcast: www.ESPN1420am.com
Live Stats: Live in-game stats will be provided by CSU Bakersfield Athletics